Typewriting-machine



A. J. BRIGGS.

TYPEWRITING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED APR.26, 1919.

1,368,017, Patented Feb. 8, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I WIT EEEIEE INVENTUR J 24 W Hi5 ATTURNEY UNITED STATES PATENT oFFics.

ARTHUR J'. BRIGGS, OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK, ASSI GNOR TO REMINGTON TYPE- WRITER COMPANY, OF ILIOI'T, NEVT YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

TYPEVJRITING-MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 8 1921.

Application filed April. 26, 1919. Serial No. 293,007.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, ARTHUR J. Bnress, citizen of the United States, and resident of Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Typewriting-hlachines, of which the following 1s a specification.

My invention relates to typewriting machines and more particularly to platen clutches.

One object of my invention is to provide a strong, highly efficient and comparatively simple platen clutch mechanism, the parts of which can be readily assembled, and which can be manufactured at comparatively small cost.

A further object of my invention is to provide a platen clutch which in the main is arranged outside of the platen proper so that a substantially solid platen core may he employed to reduce the noise which ordinarily occurs from the impact of types against a platen provided with a hollow core.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a platen clutch of the character described which can be readily emhodied in existing machines, such for example as the Nos. 10 and 11 Remington machines wi hout modifying the structural features of such machines to receive platens equipped with clutch mechanism of my invention.

To the above and other ends which will hereinafter appear my invention consists in the features of construction, arrangements of parts and combinations of devices set forth in the following oescription and par ticularly pointed out in the following claims.

In the drawings wherein l ke reference characters represent corresponding parts in the various views,

Figure 1 is an enlarged detail end View of the platen with the cover plate removed to'expose the clutch, the parts appearing as viewed from the direction of the arrow in Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the righthand end portion of the platen. the section being taken on the line 93-50 of Fig land looking in the direction Fig. 3 is a like view of the same taken at I right-angles to the section illustrated in Fig. 2, or on the line 3/y of Fig. 1 and looking in the direction of the arrow at said line. In Fig. 3 the platen is shown supported at its right-hand end in the platen frame, the usual platen clutch catch appearing in this view.

Fig. 4L is an enlarged detail fragmentary inside View of. the clutch as seen when viewed from a direction opposite to that indicated by the arrow in Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a view corresponding to Fig. 2 but showing the parts as they appear when the clutch is released.

Fig. 6 shows separated and in perspective different parts of the clutch in order more clearly to illustrate the details thereof.

W'hile in the present instance I have shown the bearing for the platen only at the right-hand end thereof in Fig. 3, it will be understood that the platen mounted in the platen frame of or No. 11 Remington machine in manner.

It also will be understood that the line spacing pawl 1 and spring detent roller 2 ma coact with the line spacing wheel in the ordinary manner. I

The platen designated as a whole by the reference numeral 3 comprises a sheath 4; and a core 5 which latter preferably is solid substantially throughout the length thereof. One end of the platen has a platen head, designated as a whole by the reference numeral 6, secured thereto by screws 7. A circular flange 8 projects from the inner face of the platen head and is received and seated in a corresponding openma be a ha 10 the usual 9 in the core 5 of the platen, in order l2 and 13 and be seated on the periphery of the platen head, and is thus mounted to turn thereon.

When the line spacing wheel is in place it surrounds the lugs 12 and 13, as shown in Fig. 1, and a clutch member or section in the form of a split ring 17 is contained within the line spacing wheel and is adapted to coact with the inner cylindncal surface 18 of the latter. Each end'of the split ring is preferably enlarged to provide a contact face 19 of greater radial dimensions than iJl'IG tlUCkIIGSS Oi the body portion of the ring. Interposed between each end 19' of the rin and the 12 on the platen head is a controlling member designated as a whole by the reference numeral 20. Each member 20 is preferably formed of sheet metal and is in the nature of a lever thatextends transversely of the axis of the platen and is substantially L-shaped in form, one arm 21 of each lever being ofiset and slightly twisted or skewed relatively to its other arm 22 in order to provide an inclined face .or cam 23 at the inner side of each of the arms 22. When these levers are assembled in place the outer end of each arm 22 is seated between one side of the lug 12 and the adjacent end 19 of the split ring, the facesof the arms 22 of the two levers being parallel, or substantially so, when bearing fiat against the lug 12. The arms 21 of the levers, however, extend longitudinally of the platen through the rectangular opening 10 in the platen head with the inclined faces 23 thereof in planes which converge toward theaxis of the platen as the outer edges of the faces are approached.

It will be understood that when the inner ends of the levers 20 are separated, or moved to the positions shown in Fig. at, by means to be hereinafter described, one end of each lever will fulcrum against the lug 12 and will spread the ends of the split ring apart, thus efi'ectively forcing the ring against the inner face 18 of the line spacing wheel, and by the clutchingv action thus established cause the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together. 'The split ring is preferably made of cast iron and is sufliciently resilient to contract when relieved from the force exerted by the levers 20, and this contraction of the ring releases it from clutching engagement with the line spacingring and forces the levers back to positions where the portions 22 thereof are parallel and rest with their inner flat faces against the lug 12.

It will be seen that the inner edges the levers 20 bear the outer 3. 1 the platen head 6 and are confined in place by a cover plate, designated as a whole by the reference numeral 25. This cover plate is secured by headed screws 26 to the platen head, the screws passin freely through openings 27 in the cover plate and engaging in tapped openings 28 in the lugs 12 and 13. A central circular depression 29 formed in the inner face of the cover plate receives the lugs or extensions 1% on the platen head, said extensions snugly fitting the depression in order to center the plate 25 on the plat-en head and form an additional support for the plate. The cover plate not only constitutes one side wall of a housing and confines the levers in place therein, but also confines the split ring within the housing'a-nd overlaps the line spacing wheel and holds it in place on its bearing on the platen'head. The cover plate is formed with a central opening 30 which extends therethrough and through an outwardly projecting hub 31 formed on the plate. From an inspection of Fig. it will be understood that this hub 31 is received in the usual bearing, bushing or sleeve 32 threaded into a tapped opening in the platen 90 frame 33 and held in its adjuster. by a lock nut 34:. The right-hand end or the platen is thus supported in place on the platen frame.

The means for controlling the levers 2i to effect an engagement or disengagement of the clutch will now be described.

A. spindle 35 is disposed axially of the platen and is seated in and passes freely tl rough the central opening 30 in the cover plate and its hub and through the bushiir 32. This spindle is provided at its outer e d with a finger wheel 36 and terminates at its inner end near the right-hand end of the platen within the line spacing wheel. inner end portion of the spin le is provn with a portion or head 37 which is rectang 1 lar in cross section. This is in order to H vide on opposite sides of the head pa \1 flat faces 38 which fit between the fia faces 110 or walls .11 on the platen head and coa'ct therewith to cause the spindle and platen turn together, the spindle being enabled, however, to receive an independent movement longitudinally of the platen. The head '37 has a cylindrical bore, recess or opening 39 extending entirely therethrough trans versely of the axis ofthe spindle. This bore constitutes a ball chamber, containing preferably two anti-friction rollers or balls which fit the bore and hear one against an other and are free to move transversely of the axis of the spindle but are constrains l to move bodily with the spindle in the axial movements of the latter. From an inspection of Figs. 2 and 5 it will be seen that the head 37 is received between the levers 2G, and that the anti-friction balls 40 extend beyond the ends of the bore 39 and beyond the sides of the spindle or its head. The halls are thus enabled to contact with the oppositely inclined faces 23 of the levers, having a rolling contact with the latter as the spindle moves longitudinally. The inner end of the spindle is formed with a circular lug 41 which is received in the outer end of a coiled expansion spring 42. This spring is contained within an opening or recess 43 in the core of the platen and bears at its inner end against the bottom wall 44 of said recess. A metal sleeve 45 may be seated tightly in the recess 43 and surrounds the spring 42. One end of the sleeve may be provided with a circular flange 46 that seats against the core and limits the inward movement of the sleeve. From a consideration of Fig. 1 it will be understood that the corner portions of the. square head 37 of the spindle are adapted to abut the flange 46 when the spindle is pushed in, thus limiting its inward or releasing movement, and limiting the movements of the parts controlled thereby.

The force of the expansion spring is exerted to normally maintain the parts in the positions shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 4, thus forcing the balls along the oppositely inclined faces of the levers and separating the inner ends thereof "to expand the split ring and maintain the line spacing wheel clutched to turn with the platen. When, however, the spindle 35 is moved longitudinally by the finger wheel 36, from the position shown in Fig. 2 to that indicated in Fig. 5, the balls will roll along the inclined faces of the levers, relieving the wedging action on the latter and permitting the inner ends of the levers to approach one another under the contraction of the split ring, thus releasing the clutch and enabling the platen to be turned by the finger wheel. At this time the platen will turn independently of the line spacing wheel since the, clutch is released and the line spacing wheel is held against movement with the platen by the spring roller detent 2. \Vhen the spindle is moved to its releasing position, as pointed out above, a catch 47, such as is employed in the Remington machine, may be caused to engage the usual circumferential flange 48 on the hub of the finger wheel 36, thus look ing the spindle in its releasing position while the necessary rotative adjustment of the platen by the finger wheel is being effected. A release of the catch enables the parts to return to their normal positions and connect the line spacing wheel to turn with the platen.

By reason of the fact that pressure exerted to expand the split ring is transmitted through the anti-friction balls which bear one against another, and which are free to move transversely of. the axis of the spindle, such pressure will be effectively applied at both ends of the split ring, the pressure at one end being balanced against pressure applied at the other end and rendered self.- compensating. There is no opportunity for the parts to become cramped, or an ineffective action of the clutch to take place, and there is no necessity for the provision of adjusting means, or for securing a nice adjustment of the parts in order to assure an effective operation of the clutch.

Moreover, the application of the power of the spring through the rolling anti-friction balls, in the manner described, enables a lighter spring to be employed with a greater degree of effectiveness than could ordinarily be used.

It will be observed from the foregoing that the split or divided ring is arranged,

locality each lever is provided with a flaring portion or cam that extends longitudinally of the axis of the ring and also of the platen; that the stem 35 is arranged axially of the platen and of the ring and is provided at its inner end within the ring with a head that is formed with a transverse bore which contains two balls always in contact within the bore and each of which protrudes beyond the bore and is arranged to bear and roll along the cam portion of its associate lever when the stem is moved longitudinally; and that the spring which acts upon said head normally presses the stem outwardly and causes the balls to press upon the levers, said levers under this pressure fulcruming on the fulcrum block and bearing upon the terminals of the split ring as levers of the second order to cause the expansion of the ring against the interior surface of the surround ing line space wheel.

t will be understood that the parts may be quickly assembled by merely placing them together in the manner shown and securing the cover plate in place; that no test or adjustment is required to determine the effectiveness of the clutch; that the clutch is simple, strong and efficient in use; that the parts are not apt to become disarranged or broken; that the construction. enables a platen core solid substantially throughout the length thereof to be employed; and that the construction may be manufactured and assembled at small cost and applied to existing machines without changing such machines to receive platens equipped with clutch mechanism of my invention.

themso that the platen may be turned independently of the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanism comprising a hand controlled member operable at will and having a' ball containing chamber or pocket therein, two contacting balls contained in said chamber or pocket and free to move therein together in a direction transverse to the direction of movement of said member, and clutching means including elements along which said balls are adapted to roll and which are actuated thereby, and a split ring which coacts with the line spacing wheel and is. controlledby said elements.

2.. The combination of a rotative platen; a line spacing wheel; and clutch mechanism for connecting the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together or for disconnecting them so that the platen may be turned inclependentlyof the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanism comprising a hand controlled member fixed to turn with the platen and by which the platen may be turned but which is independently movable longitudinally of the platen, said member having a ball containing chamber or pocket therein,

twocontacting balls contained in said cham- 7 her or pocket and free to move therein together in a direction transverse to the direction of the independent movement of said inei'nber, and clutching means including a 7 pair of levers disposed on opposite sides of said balls and fulcrumed to move in a plane which extends transversely of the axis of the platen, eachof said levers having an inclined face along which a ball is adapted to roll and thus control the movement of the levers and the opening and closing of the clutch. r i y 3. The combination of a rotative platen; a line spacing wheel; and clutch mechanism for connecting the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together or for disconnecting them so that the platen may be turned independently of the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanism comprising a spindle which terminates near one end of the platen and which is provided at its outer end with a finger wheel by which the platen may be turned, means for connecting said spindle to' turn with the platen but affording a movement thereof longitudinally and cindependently of the platen in order to control the release and engagement of theclutch, a ball receiving chamber or pocket formed in said spindle, one or more balls contained in said pocket and movable with the spindle in the longitudinal movement of the latter, a spring which tends to move said spindle longitudinally in one direction, clutch controlling levers on opposite sides of said ball or balls and controlled by the, latter, and a split ring which is adapted to be expanded against the line spacing wheel andclamp the wheel so that it will turn with the; platen, the levers coacting' with said split ring to control the expansion and contraction thereof. p

- 4. The combination of a rotative laten; a line spacing wheel; and clutch mechanism for connecting the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together or for disconnecting them so that the platen may be turned independently of the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanismcomprising a platen head secured to the platen and on which theline spacing wheel is adapted to turn, a split ring contained within the line spacing wheel and adapted to bear against it and connect the wheel to turn with the platen, a pair of levers loosely disposed and fnlcrumed on the platen'head and coacting with the split anti-friction balls carried by said spindle between said levers, and operative on the inclined faces thereof to control the levers in their operating movements.

The combination of a rotative platen; a linespacing wheel; and clutch mechanism for connecting the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together or for disconnecting them so that the platen may be turned independently of the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanism comprisinga' platen head secured tothe platena'nd on whichthe line spacing wheel is adaptedto turn, a split ring contained within the line spacing wheel and adapted to bear against it and connect the wheel to turn with the platen, a pair of levers loosely disposed and fulcrumed on the platen head and coacting with the split ring to control the expansion and contraction thereof, each of said levers having an in clined face, a spindle disposed axially of the platen and operatively connected to turn the platen but adapted to move longitudinally independently thereof, said spindle having a bore that extends transversely therethrongh, and a pair of anti-friction balls loosely contained in said bore and extending beyond the sides of the spindle where the bore is formed and into contact with the inclined faces on said levers.

6. he combination of a rotative platen; a line spacing wheel; and clutch mechanism for connecting the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together or for disconnecting them so that the platen may be turned independently of the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanism comprising a platen head secured to the platen and having a central opening therethrough that is formed with parallel flat side walls, an axially disposed spindle formed with a section having side walls that conform to and coact with said fiat side walls of the opening through the platen head, whereby the spindle and platen head are connected to turn together but the spindle may receive a longitudinal movement independently of the platen head, a bore extending transversely entirely through said spindle, anti-friction rollers loosely contained insaid bore and bearing one against another and extending beyond the ends of the bore, and clutch controlling means with which said rollers coact.

7. The combination of a rotative platen; a line spacing wheel; and clutch mechanism for connecting the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together or for disconnecting them so that the platen may be turned independently of the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanism comprising a platen head secured to the platen and having a central opening therethrough that is formed with parallel fiat side walls, an axially disposed spindle formed with a section having side walls that conform to and coact with said flat side walls of the opening through the platen head, whereby the spindle and platen head are connected to turn together but the spindle may receive a longitudinal movement independently of the platen head, a bore extending transversely entirely through said spindle, anti-friction rollers loosely contained in said bore and bearing one against another and extending beyond the ends of the bore, clutch controlling means with which said rollers coact, a finger wheel at one end of said spindle and by which the platen may be turned, and a spring co-acting with the spindle at the other end thereof and'tending to move the spindle longitudinally in one direction.

8. The combination of a rotative platen; a line spacing wheel; and clutch mechanism for'connecting the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together or for disconnecting them so that the platen may be turned independently of the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanism comprising a platen head secured to the platen and having a central opening therethrough that is formed with parallel fiat side walls, an axially disposed spindle formed with a section having side walls that conform to and coact with said fiat side walls of the opening through the platen head, whereby the spindle and platen head are connected to turn together but the spindle may receive a longitudinal movement independently of the platen head, a. bore extending transversely entirely through said spindle, anti-friction rollers loosely contained in said bore and bearing one against another and extending beyond the ends of the bore, a finger Wheel at one end of said spindle and by which the platen may be turned, a spring co-acting with the spindle at the other end thereof and tending to move the spindle longitudinally in one dirertion, a pair of levers fulcrumed on the platen head and disposed on opposite sides of said rollers and having inclined faces against which the rollers are adapted to bear and along which they are "adapted to roll, and clutching means controlled by said levers.

9. The combination of a rotative platen; a line spacing wheel; and clutch mechanism for connecting the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together or for disconnecting them so that theplaten may be turned independently of the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanism comprising a platen head secured to the platen and having a central opening therethrough that is formed with parallel flat side walls, an axially disposed spindle formed with a section having side walls that conform to and coact with said fiat side walls of the opening through the platen head, whereby the spindle and platen head are connected to turn together but the spindle may receive a longitudinal movement independently of the platen head, a boreextending transversely entirely through said spindle, anti-friction rollers loosely contained in said bore and bearing one against another and extending beyond the ends of the bore, a finger wheel at o'neend of said spindle and by which the platen may be turned, a spring co-acting with the spindle at the other end thereof and tending to move the spindle longitudinally in one direction, a pair of levers fulcrumed on the platen head and disposed on opposite sides of said rollers and having inclined faces against which the rollers are adapted to bear and along which they are adapted to roll, and a split ring adapted to coact with the line spacing wheel and with the "ends of which said levers coact to control the expansion and contraction of the ring.

10. The combination of a rotative platen;

va line spacing wheel; and clutch mechanism for connecting the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together or for disconnecting them so that the platen may be turned independently of the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanism comprisinga controlling lever formed of sheet metal and having an inclinedoperating cam face formed by skewing 01' twisting one section of the lever to a different angular plane from the body por' tion thereof.

11. The combination of a rotative'platen 'a line spacing wheel; and clutch mechanism for connecting the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together or for disconnecting them so that the platen may be turned independently of the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanism comprising a substantially L-shaped controlling lever one arm of which is skewed or twisted to a different angular plane relatively to the other arm in order to form an inclined operating face or cam.

12. The combination of a rotative platen; a line spacing wheel; and clutch mechanism for connecting the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together or for disconnecting them so that the platen may be turned inclependently of the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanism comprising a substantially L-shaped' controlling lever fulcrumed at the free end of one of lts arms and having the other arm skewed or twisted to a different angular'plane in order to form an inclined operating face or cam.

13. The combination of a rotative platen; a line spacing wheel; and clutch mechanism for connecting the line spacing wheel and platen to turn together or for disconnecting them so that the platen may be turned independently of the line spacing wheel, said clutch mechanism comprising a platen head secured to the platen and having a central opening extending therethrough, and a substantially L-shaped sheet metal controlling lever having the free end of one of its arms fulcrumed against the platen head so that :the movement of the lever is in a plane which extends transversely of the platen,

the other arm of the lever being slrewed or twlsted relatively to sa1d first mentioned arm to form an inclined or cam face and ex tending throu h said opening in the platen head and longltudinally of the platen, 4

14. a The combination of a platen, a platen head secured directly to the platen, a line spacing wheel mounted directly on the platen head to turn thereon, clutch devices mounted on the platen headand operative to clutch the line spacing wheel to cause it I and the platen to turn together; a controlling spindle for controlling the engagement and release of the clutch devices, and a cover 1plate detachably connected to the platen ead and confining said clutch devices in place onthe platen head and when removed allowing a withdrawal of any or all of the clutch devices and the spindle, said cover 'platehaving a hub formed thereon througn which the spindle passes and which is seated support larged ends which are of greater radial dimensions than the body of the ring and form broad contact faces at the ends of the ring, and controlling levers which are fulcrumed at their ends and each of which contacts intermediate its fulcrum and point where power is applied with the broad contact face formed by an enlarged end of the split ring, thereby separating the load polnt and fulcrum of each lever.

16. Ina typewriting machine, the combination of a platen, a line space wheel, a split ring, a pair of levers arranged within said ring and bearing at their outer ends against the terminals of said ring fulcra arranged between the outer ends of said levers, a spring pressed spindle having a head that is provided with a transverse bore, two contacting balls arranged in said bore and each protruding to'one side thereof and arranged to bear and roll on the inner ends of said levers. Y

17. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a platen, a platen head provided with a lug or fulcrumblock, a split ring, a pair of levers arranged crosswise of the ring, each lever at its outer end being arranged between one end of the split ring and one side of the fulcrum block, each lever at its inner end terminating substantially at the middle of the ring but to oneside of the center thereof, and each lever having a cam that extends longitudinally of the axis of the ring and also of the platen; and a spring pressed stem arranged axially of the platen and provided with rollers for riding on said cam portions.

18. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a platen, a platen head provided with a lug or fulcrum block, a split ring, a

' pair of leversarranged crosswise of the ring,

each lever at its outer end being arranged between one end of the split ring and one side of the fulcrum block, feach lever at its inner end terminating substantially at the middle of the ring butto one side of the center thereof; and each lever having a cam that extends longitudinally of the axis of the ring and also of the platen, and a springpressed stem arranged axially of the platen and of the ring and provided at its inner end with a transverse bore which contains two balls contacting within the bore and protruding beyond'the bore and arranged to roll along the cam portions of the levers when. the stem'is moved longitudinally.

19. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a platen, a platen head provided with a fulcrum block, a line space wheel, a split ring, a pair of levers each arranged at its outer end between a terminal of said ring and one side of said fulcrum block, said levers extending inwardly transversely of the platen and having at their inner ends cam portions which extend longitudinally of the platen, and a spring pressed spindle provided with means for acting on said cam portions and causing said levers to fulcrum on said block and to expand said ring into frictional engagement with said line space wheel.

20. In a typewriting machine and in a platen clutch mechanism, the combination with the line space wheel, of a divided ring, two transverse levers each hearing at its outer end against a terminal of said ring, fulcra arranged between said levers, a spring pressed spindle having a transverse bore containing two contacting balls, both of which protrude beyond said bore and bear and roll on the inner portions of said levers.

21. In a typewriting machine and in a platen clutch mechanism, the combination with the line space wheel, of a divided ring, two loose plate-like levers arranged transversely of the ring and each having a portion which extends longitudinally of the axis of the ring and of the platen, a platen head having independent fulcra for said levers, said fulcra being arranged within the divided portion of the ring, and means arranged axially of the platen for spreading said levers at their inner ends and causing them to act as levers of the second order upon the terminal portions of said ring.

22. I11 a typewriting machine, the combination of a platen, a line space wheel, clutching means therebetween, a pair of levers arranged transversely of the platen, independent fulcra for said levers, and a spring pressed spindle having a transverse bore containing two contacting balls, both of which protrude beyond said bore and bear and roll on the inner portions of said levers.

Signed at Syracuse, in the county of Onondaga and State of New York, this 21 day of April, A. D. 1919.

- ARTHUR J. BRIGGS. Witnesses:

HELEN KERWIN,

E. J. YOUNG. 

